The Princess of Wales stepped out on Thursday (24 September) for an important cause she's been a vocal and compassionate supporter of; addiction. This week marks Addiction Awareness Week, so Kate visited a charity in Essex to learn more about the important work they're doing there.
The Princess joined The Forward Trust in Southend-on-Sea, a social justice charity that supports people in recovery from addition and helps them move forward their lives. During her visit, Kate met with Mike Trace, CEO of the organisation - which she has been a patron of since 2021 - to discuss their work. She also met with people taking part in an outdoor gardening activity during the organisation's Addiction Week Campaign, 'The Big Addiction Conversation', aiming to combat the stigma around addiction and build understanding and empathy.
The Princess of Wales has been vocal on the topic herself, writing a personal letter last year which she shared publicly to call for empathy. 'Addiction is not a choice, or a personal failing, but a complex mental health condition that should be met with empathy and support,' she wrote. She acknowledged the wider effect addiction can have on loved ones and said that while 'recovery is hard' it can be aided by the 'right treatment', 'a listening ear and showing we care.'
For the Princess of Wales' most recent visit, she chose an autumn staple - a check blazer. However, there was a hidden meaning in the pattern of the jacket she chose - it's known as the 'Prince of Wales check'. The blazer was therefore a fitting choice given it shares the same title as her husband. It's also a blazer she was previously seen wearing earlier this year, during a visit to RAF Coningsby alongside Prince George to mark Armed Forces Day.
While the Princess of Wales' own blazer is by luxury designer Maxmara, we spotted this double from M&S which is just £65 and is stocked in a wide range of sizes up to 24:
Earlier this week, the Princess attended a very different event, as she and Prince William joined Tom Cruise and Sir David Beckham for a London screening event of new film Digger, supporting the Film and TV Charity.
![london, england september 22: catherine, princess of wales attends the digger world premiere royal film performance™on september 22, 2026 in london, england. (photo by chris jackson/getty images for warner bros.)](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/f07159a8-36a9-4c92-b51c-109a8ddbbc72.jpg?resize=980:* ""Digger" World Premiere & Royal Film Performance™ In Aid Of The Film & TV Charity")
For the glamorous occasion, the Princess chose a historic piece of jewellery which previously belonged to the Queen Mother. The necklace was presented as a gift on her wedding day, and features an enormous heart-shape amethyst. Kate matched the striking purple of the stone to a billowing gown in the same shade.
